Free Hurricane Prep Kits in Homestead on July 12
As South Florida approaches the height of hurricane season, the City of Homestead is stepping up efforts to keep residents safe and prepared. On Saturday, July 12, 2025, the City, in partnership with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and Farm Share, will host a free Drive-Thru Hurricane Preparedness Kit Distribution at a new location: Harris Field Park, located at 1034 NE 8th Street, Homestead, FL 33030. The event will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
The initiative is part of Homestead’s ongoing commitment to proactive emergency preparedness. With hurricane activity expected to intensify in the coming months, officials are urging residents to get ready now—and the city is helping to make that possible. The event will provide Family Necessities Kits, which include essential supplies meant to help households manage during and after potential storm-related emergencies.
“This event is about helping our community stay safe and ready,” said Mayor Steven D. Losner. “Preparedness can make a big difference, and we’re proud to work with GEM, Farm Share, and other partners to bring these resources to Homestead families.”
Drive-Thru Distribution for Safe and Efficient Access
The event will follow a drive-thru format to ensure both safety and convenience. Residents will not need to exit their vehicles to receive their kits, minimizing physical contact and maintaining smooth traffic flow through the park. Volunteers and staff will be on-site to load kits directly into vehicles.
Participation is limited to City of Homestead residents. Attendees must present valid identification to confirm residency and receive a kit.
What’s in the Kit?
Each Family Necessities Kit is carefully assembled to meet basic needs during power outages, flooding, or other disruptions that commonly follow a major storm. While exact contents may vary, kits typically include:
– Non-perishable food
– Bottled water
– Flashlights and batteries
– First-aid supplies
– Hygiene items
– Emergency contact and preparedness guides
These kits are designed to serve households for the first 48–72 hours following a disaster, when government and emergency services may be overwhelmed or delayed.
Powered by Community Partnerships
The event is made possible through strong community partnerships. In addition to GEM and Farm Share, United Healthcare and Neighbors 4 Neighbors have joined as supporting organizations, contributing resources, volunteers, and outreach to broaden the event’s impact.
Global Empowerment Mission, a Miami-based nonprofit with global reach, has been instrumental in disaster relief efforts around the world and is now lending its expertise to local preparedness.
Farm Share, known for combating food insecurity across Florida, is ensuring that food essentials are a core part of the distributed kits.
Encouraging Community ResilienceOfficials emphasize that while hurricane kits are a good starting point, they are only part of a comprehensive preparedness strategy. Residents are encouraged to create an emergency plan, review evacuation routes, secure important documents, and stay informed through trusted sources like the National Hurricane Center and City of Homestead alerts.
“We’re not just handing out supplies,” said a representative from the Community Development & Human Services Department. “We’re sending a message: now is the time to prepare.”
Event Details Recap:
• What: Hurricane Preparedness Drive-Thru Distribution
• When: Saturday, July 12, 2025, starting at 10:00 a.m.
• Where: Harris Field Park, 1034 NE 8 St, Homestead, FL 33030
• Eligibility: Homestead residents only (valid ID required)
• Contact: cdhs@homesteadfl.gov or call 305-224-4408
Don’t wait for a storm to get ready. Join the City of Homestead and its partners in making preparedness a community priority.
